‘Very disturbing’: Legally blind man shot twice in Chinatown-International District

A legally blind man in his 40s was shot in the Chinatown-International District on Monday, prompting an active Seattle Police Department (SPD) investigation.

At approximately 11:17 a.m., officers responded to reports of an injured man who was bleeding near 5th Avenue S. and S. Weller Street, SPD announced.

Officers find blind man bleeding in street

At the scene, officers found a man in the street who had two suspected gunshot wounds to his leg. SPD and the Seattle Fire Department treated him for his injuries.

Medics then transported the man to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition.

“This was a very disturbing incident. As far as we can tell, this was a completely random attack that targeted a legally blind man,” said Seattle Police Detective Eric Muñoz. “We are thankful for our officers. They were able to treat him for his injuries until firefighters were able to take over medical care. He’s recovering at the hospital.”

There is currently no information on the suspect, and no arrests have been made.

The immediate area was cordoned off for processing, and officers searched for additional evidence.

SPD noted that the circumstances leading up to the assault are also under investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the violent crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000. Anonymous tips are also accepted.

Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio

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